The Future of Europe – A consultation

The 29th March 2017 is an auspicious day. 60 years after six European countries decided to cooperate in the peaceful uses of atomic energy (EURATOM Treaty) the steady growth of an expanding Europe into a bastion of peace and borderless movement of goods, services, capital and labour has been interrupted by the request of the UK to leave the Union. So be it, the people in the island have spoken and democracy will prevail.

Each and every one of you have benefited with life and career changing support from Europe to enable you to improve your personal career path and pursue research of interest to you; free of any political, scientific priority or imposition.

Europe faces many challenges, from globalisation, to the impact of new technologies on society and jobs, to security concerns and the rise of populism, while preserving our humanity and compassion for those less fortunate: and we must ensure we are not overwhelmed but rather that we seize the opportunities that these trends present.

At the annual meeting of the MCAA last week in Salamanca, we heard the Commission impress on us that the way forward from this interruption of our assumed trajectory is very much open to discussion and debate. The Commission invited the MCAA to discuss the White Paper and forward the collective comments to the consultation process.

For debate and comments we have set aside this group in the MCAA Website.

We will then produce a summary of comments and debate.

All comments and debate submitted prior to noon, April 18th 2017 will be a part of that summary produced. The overview paper will of course be published on the site.

This moment is possibly the most important junction in the history of the European Union. Never before have so many autonomous countries settled for shared jurisdiction and a common future. Just a few years ago this was rewarded by the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to the EU.

The EU has given you support, funding and a chance for a better future. Now we ask you to give some time to the same institution and ensure it has a strong; inclusive future and continues to develop the open market model with strong social protection and build a strong Europe to give the world a model to be proud of.